Washington State continues to have a very unlikely outside shot at the playoff as Utah tries to stay atop the Pac 12 South. As well as two 6-4 teams facing off going in different directions.
Utah vs. Colorado
With the news dropping on Tuesday that Mike Macintyre will be fired at the end of the season, as well as the Buffs just coming off a 5 game losing streak. You could say there is some distractions going on in the Colorado program. Utah is somewhat stumbling after losing to Arizona State. Jason Shelly’s first career start ended with a win against Oregon this past week and Colorado being their final conference game of the year (BYU next week). Even with both teams having either some injuries or on the field performance issues, it should still be a good game for a team that is playing for their coach. Colorado plays them really close, but Shelly does just enough late to squeak Utah by with a win.
Utah 27, Colorado 24
USC vs. UCLA
USC is coming off of an emotional 15-14 loss in which their offense got completely shut out in the 2nd half. JT Daniels threw for only 180 yards, but 2 touchdowns and USC’s defense overall played really well. USC in the yards total outgained them by over 100 yards and had a chance, but never cashed in. UCLA is coming off a close loss as well as Wilton Speight had a fantastic game. UCLA’s defense has been suspect all year and giving up nearly 500 yards to Arizona State is alarming. But USC has been inconsistent on offense. Some games, JT comes out and plays up to his potential, while others he looks like a Freshman. One player to keep an eye on for USC’s defense is Caleb Wilson, who is coming off a career game with 11 catches for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns. I believe Wilton Speight will come back down to earth and USC takes this one by a couple scores.
USC 35, UCLA 21
Oregon State vs. #18 Washington
Washington snuck back into the AP rankings and moving into the top 20 in the CFP rankings after getting the week off and has Oregon State as a tune up game before the Apple Cup. Washington can play spoiler on the final chance for the Pac 12 to make the CFP. Oregon State’s big win over Colorado seems to have happened a lot longer ago than just 3 weeks based on these last 2 week’s performances. The Beavers are staring 2-10 right in the face unless they can pull off a big time upset over Washington or Oregon. Washington’s ground game gets it done as Myles Gaskin rushes for 150 yards and Browning throws for 200+ and a couple touchdowns to secure a comfortable win over the Beavers.
Washington 42, Oregon State 21
Stanford vs. Cal
Cal has been back and forth all season as some teams in the Pac 12 have been. Whether it being an upset over Washington and limiting Washington State to 19 points. Or losing by 30 to 2 win UCLA and losing by 18 to Oregon at home. Cal’s defense has been fantastic the past 3 weeks, holding all of their opponents to below 20 points. The defense is led by LB Eric Weaver who has been a tackling machine all season long with 33 in the last 3 games. Ben Burr-Kirven gets the NFL attention, but Eric Weaver is slowly creeping up. For Stanford, the key in this game is to use their height on the outside and find anyway possible to get Bryce Love going again. Kaden Smith has become the best TE in the conference and JJ Arcega-Whiteside is an NFL first round talent. With the UW game still fresh, Patrick Laird leads as he rushes for 125 and catches a touchdown as Cal’s hot streak continues.
Cal 30, Stanford 24
Arizona vs. #8 Washington State
If Washington State is caught looking ahead, Arizona is capable of making the Cougars pay. Arizona blew out Oregon just a couple of weeks ago and is coming off a week of rest. This game is in Pullman which obviously gives Washington State the advantage. If Arizona can limit Gardner Minshew at least half as well as Cal did, they have a chance in this game. But in the end, at night on the road in a rather cold environment, Washington State won’t get caught looking ahead, but this game is closer than most expect.
#8 Washington State 34, Arizona 27
Arizona State vs. Oregon
Both of these teams are looking for better performances and placing for bowl games. Arizona State is coming off a 3 point win and Oregon dropped a close game in Salt Lake against Utah. This game features one established dominant college receiver against an up and coming receiver that has been playing at a high level the past 3 weeks. It’s N’Keal Harry vs. Dillon Mitchell. The defense goes to Oregon, but offensive skill players might go to Arizona State. With all of that being said, Oregon’s defense does enough to limit Manny Wilkins and Eno Benjamin. Herbert throws for 3 touchdowns against a rather below average defense recently in a high scoring affair and the Ducks pick up a win.
Oregon 45, Arizona State 41
Image Credit: https://devilsindetail.com/2018/07/14/asu-football-eno-benjamin-carries-tailback-torch-heading-2018/
